Meeting Minutes
2007-06-14 Meeting Minutes
Native Plant Society of Williamson CountyJune 14, 2007
President Phyllis Dolich called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. Attendance was 41 and included 2 guests. (a) Phyllis noted an article about our organization, written by Carla Haskett, which appeared in the Williamson County Sun newspaper. (b) She also provided information regarding several classes/events that will occur in the coming weeks. (c) She introduced Zan Matthies of the Williamson County Extension Service and Wayne Roden, a Master Gardener and member of our organization. They told of programs that will be held this summer (1 – utility and water conservation and 2 – heat resistant plants), and about the Master Gardener program that is being developed for Williamson County. Master Gardener classes will begin in January. (d) Janet Church, volunteer coordinator, announced: (1) the Fall Plant Sale would not conflict with the Symposium. (2) Gabrielle Valley Farms has agreed to grow plants for us to sell – 50 varieties. (3) She will circulate a ‘sign-up sheet’ at the August and September meetings. (e) Agnes Plutino (1) told members that fencing was being installed around the corner lot sited on Greenhill & Old Settlers. She gave directions on how members might still access the property, providing construction has not begun. Sue Wiseman suggested a ‘rescue alert, if necessary. (2) Agnes also noted that the ‘old library garden’ is still looking good. (f) Awards. Dennis Perz, ‘Native Plant Society Landscape Recognition Awards’ coordinator, provided information and answered several questions in regards to the awards, which have been proposed and will be presented to Wolfe Ranch Town Center. He said an event is being planned, later this summer, to present the Wolfe Ranch town Center award. Our membership and the press will be invited. Dennis is working with a publicist and has drafted a press release. He gave details of the ‘award ‘plaques’ that would be presented, estimating the cost at $900-$1000. Sue Wiseman, Walt Henderson, and Dennis were the committee members, who researched the proposed purchase of the plaques. A motion to accept the committee’s proposal as presented was made by Mitch Mitchamore; seconded by George Ohlendorf; motion carried. (g) July 12 meeting. (l) Phyllis reminded members that we usually have a ‘pot-luck’ meal at this monthly meeting, but have different circumstances this year, since our meeting location has changed. After a lively discussion, it was decided that we would meet at the library at 7 p.m. and have ‘desserts only’. She also asked members to bring ideas and suggestions for planning events/activities, etc. (2) We will also elect officers for the coming year, which commences with the September meeting. Marilyn Perz, who is on the nominating committee, reviewed the nominees they have acquired so far. They still need a ‘president’. (h) Newsletter. Janice Charnley said the newsletter would be up and ready soon. (i) Events. Marilyn reminded members of (l)the fieldtrip to Holy Rosary Cemetery, east of Georgetown on 29 and just east of Toll Road 130, on Saturday, June 16; 9-10 a.m. (2) She also noted that the Williamson County Historical Museum would be hosting an event’ on September 29. Our chapter will have a free table to demonstrate ‘prairie plant seed starters’ and pass out NPSOT and Symposium information. (j) Janet Church suggested we have a new printing of our organization’s brochures and include the new meeting location and any other info that has changed. (k) Kathy McCormick and Sue Wiseman will work together to produce copies of ‘Soils of Williamson County’ for members. (k) Phyllis requested assistance from members in helping select the caterer and food for the ‘Symposium’. Susan Waitz volunteered to take the responsibility. (l) Speakers. The evening’s speaker was Bill Carr; topic was ‘Invasive Plants’. The August speaker will be Betty Hughes – ‘Dried Flower/Plant Arranging; September speaker will be Jon Brandt – Soil Analysis. There will be no speaker for the July 12 meeting.
Kathryn LeBlanc
Recording Secretary
Note to Dennis: Would you please send me a copy of the ‘guide lines’ that your ‘committee’ uses when selecting a nominee for the Landscape Recognition Awards. I know you may not have them written up, but I feel it should be done and a copy kept with the Secretary’s minutes (and with other places/people, as deemed proper/necessary). Also, neither I nor my recorder caught a total amount/cost for the purchase of the plaques that were voted on. Thanks for your input!